Welcome back to amsterdam insights by mae. It has been a busy few months but I feel inspired to share my travels with you and more recent Amsterdam Insights before the new year. First up, a few photographs from a family trip to Italy this summer, followed by city trips to Paris and Versailles, London, Perugia and Rome.

R E S T O R E D is a wonderful little shop on the Haarlemmerdijk in the center of Amsterdam (Haarlemmerdijk 39). “Restored is all about beauty, balance and originality. We believe in an honest approach and a sincere interest in people and products.” A unique collection of products are sold here, ranging from gold feather rings to Herschel Supply Co. backpacks to plaid blankets by Mae Engelgeer and a great selection of magazines including Anthology, Frankie and Smith Journal.

It’s been a while since I’ve posted my weekly Amsterdam Insight posts. The months of March, April and May were really busy but things are finally slowing down now. I will now spend more time at work and dedicate my free time to Amsterdam Insights. So here we go! This week in Amsterdam…

The other week I went to a work dinner at Hotel de Goudfazant (Aambeeldstraat 10H) in Amsterdam Noord which was absolutely amazing. The food, the location, the interior… Everything. I’m so curious to try their other restaurant in Amsterdam Noord, Cafe Modern (Meidoornweg 2) via Petite Passport. Their new restaurant Radio Royaal in Eindhoven looks pretty great too, also via Petite Passport.

I also finally made it over to the EYE Film Institute, located opposite Amsterdam Central Station on the northern banks of the River IJ. The new building hosts a large exhibition space and four cinemas with a total of 640 seats, and is open daily from 10:00 until 01:00 on weekdays and until 02:00 at the weekend.

The winning images from the world’s largest and most prestigious annual press photography contest, World Press Photo, begin their world tour in Amsterdam. An overview of press photography, 200 images are selected from the past 12 months and travel from the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam to more than 40 countries around the world. The exhibition is only display in the Oude Kerk until 17 June.

I recently tried challah french toast with banana and cinnamon sugar at G&T’s really, really nice place (Goudbloemstraat 91). How about trying out these other brunch places? Coconut french toast at the Australian cafe Little Collins (Eerste Sweelinckstraat 19), yoghurt with fresh fruit and granola at Buffet van Odette (Prinsengracht 598) or a stack of pancakes at George Deli USA (Utrechtsestraat 17). Do you have a favorite brunch spot in Amsterdam?

And if you’re traveling to Amsterdam in the near future, check out my full Amsterdam Insights roundup of the past 6 months. Cafes, shops, museums, restaurants and more!

Brunch was an institution in Montreal, a weekend rite of passage, the perfect start to a slow morning or a worthy celebration after a night out. The excitement of going out for a delicious brunch, whether it be eggs & bacon or french toast or pancakes, never failed me. And there were so many great places in Montreal including Le Vieux St. Laurent, L’Avenue, Beauty’s and Bagel Etc (read more in my Montreal Eats roundup). I was so excited to finally try G&T’s really, really nice place (Goudsbloemstraat 91) in the heart of the Jordaan…

And turns out the owners are Canadian, and one even attended McGill University… And graduated just a year before I started my first year! Everything about G&T’s was perfect. The ex-brown cafe in the Jordaan has been transformed into a comfy living room with subtle trinkets and treasures…

And their brunch menu… From Breakfast Burritos to their famous Eggs Benedict and (oh-so Canadian) Challah French Toast, there’s something for everyone. And reminiscing my Montreal brunch days, I opted for the Challah French Toast topped with bananas and cinnamon sugar. Oh, they didn’t disappoint.

Be sure to make a reservation online for weekend brunch, from 11am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. G&T’s also serves cocktails (a Bloody Mary to go with your Eggs Benedict, maybe?) and hosts movie nights, so be sure to check their agenda for weekly events. G&T’s really, really nice place can be found on Goudsbloemstraat 91.